An article titled "Integrating Peer-Provided Services: A Quasi-experimental Study of Recovery Orientation, Confidence, and Empowerment" was published in the November 2008 edition of Psychiatric Services from the American Psychiatric Association. The article presents a study comparing the effectiveness of the Vet-to-Vet program, a peer education and support program, and standard care without peer support on measures of recovery orientation, confidence, and empowerment.

The data suggest that participation in peer support may enhance personal well-being, as measured by both recovery-oriented and more traditional clinical measures. To view the article, click here.

Upcoming Benefits for Veterans with Disabilities Webcast

This webcast will offer a basic overview of benefits available for veterans with disabilities and describe how these benefits are affected by employment. The specific benefit programs covered in this session will include:

• Military retirement based on disability
• VA Disability Compensation
• VA Disability Pension

The session will begin with an overview of the VA disability rating system and how disability rating is related to benefit payments. A description of the three disability benefit programs will be provided including the basic eligibility requirements. The program will conclude with a review of how wage employment or self-employment affect benefit eligibility and payment amount.

The speaker on the webcast, to be held November 20 at 2:00 p.m. EST, will be Lucy Miller of Virginia Commonwealth University. To register for this free webcast, click here.

Mental Health and Homelessness: A Guide for Mental Health Planning and Advisory Councils 

This toolkit, from the National Association of Mental Health Planning and Advisory Councils, will help state mental health planning and advisory council members and others assess programs and services in their state plans for people who are homeless and have a mental illness. Exemplary practices and resources for more information are provided with an emphasis on outreach and engagement to help council members use this document as a springboard for a more thorough understanding of the issue.

To view the toolkit, click here.

GPD Application: The Project Plan Conference Call

During this teleconference to be held on December 3 at 2:00 p.m. EST, Melanie Lilliston, NCHV Director of Technical Assistance and Finance, will discuss the Project Plan portion of the Grant and Per Diem application. Lilliston will outline what information is required in this section of the application, including the project design, how goals and objectives will be met, and what steps will be taken to ensure that goals are met.

This call will provide an introduction for individuals and homeless veteran service providers who want to learn more about the GPD program and/or planning to apply for GPD funding for the first time. There will be a question and answer session following the presentation. 

To register for this teleconference, send an e-mail to grantapplication@nchv.org with your name, organization name, and e-mail address. You will receive the call-in number and access code to confirm your participation.

Funding Opportunities

The Veterans Corporation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to promoting entrepreneurial success for Veterans, Service-Disabled Veterans, and members of the National Guard and reserve nationwide. TVC offers grants to organizations providing veterans with education (including transition assistance and entrepreneurial education) and outreach (including business start-up counseling, professional workshops, mentoring, and transition assistance). For more information, and to find out when the next window for applications is, click here.